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 The Hard Lessons have arrived, and are here to
stayand if the confidence and unabashed rock energy displayed on their new EP
is any sort of guide, they know it!
After a stunning 2006, in which the group
was declared Artists of the Year by Real Detroit Weekly, the impressive rock
outfit look set to continue carrying all before them this year. Wise Up!, the
group's aptly titled new release, is a compelling blend of care-free rock n'
roll with a healthy dose of musical nous, replete with ACDC guitar riffs and
Blondie-esque vocals! Sounds interesting? You bet your boots it does!
The exciting trio consists of Augie
(Vocals, Electric Guitar), Ko Ko Louise (Vocals, Electric Organ / Synthesizer)
and The Anvil (Drums).
The Hard
Lessons have produced an exceptional EP, maintaining their unique energy and
quality of music across every track. The music is arresting for it's
simplicity, achieving a rich, full sound with often subdued and limited
instrumental accompaniments. The guitar and drum work is exceptional, played
with precision and energy to compliment the vocals and give depth to the band's
sound.
As with many rock outfits, the
vocals are the make or break of the outfit, and The Hard Lessons do not
disappoint! Augie and Ko Ko Louise appear to be made for each other, with the
pair forming a true vocal partnership. While demonstrating her Debbie Harry-like softer, delicate tones on tracks like "It Bleeds", Ko Ko is
similarly adept at the hard-hitting, coarser notes in "Bamboo"
and "Move to California".
Augie provides a perfect partner, with
smooth, rich harmony, providing the depth necessary to offset Ko Ko's high vocal
range. The combination adds a complexity to the music, and a mystique to the groups
vocalization, lifting the lyrics apart from the guitar and drum backing.
"It Bleeds" is the
highlight of the EP. Delivering a softer, more introspective sound, the vocal
harmonies are displayed perfectly. The delicate beauty of Ko Ko's voice,
combined with Augie's silky, full voice, lulls the listener, pulling them into
the music. With a simple guitar and drum accompaniment, as with much of the EP,
the vocals drive and shape the track, dominating the mood, message and sound.
The Hard Lessons are at the height of their musical powers here!
"Move to California" marks
a shift in tempo, and showcases the energy and edginess in both singers' voices. Delivered like a duet, it is the collision of the vocalsrather than
their seamless cohesion, as demonstrated in "It Bleeds"which gives
the drive and attitude to this track. There is a power and aggression in the music, impressively conveyed without over-the-top volume or instrumentals. The
sound is strong and confident, as if sending a message of 'wise up or get out!'.
With assuredness, energy and
complexity of sound, Wise Up! is an impressive musical offering. The Hard
Lessons demonstrate their musical skill and maturity on this EP, showing the
world that they have 'wizened up' as a groupready to move onto bigger
and better things. If 2006 saw them conquer Detroit, one can only imagine
what 2007 will hold for this impressive and highly talented rock outfit! So
Wise Up, and buy this EP, so you too can enjoy the band's enthusiastic and
energetic sound!
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